Michael Kopech
SP - CWS - RST
Ownership
Eligibility
RHP Michael Kopech (personal) opted out of playing during the 2020 season Friday.
Fantasy Impact
Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and has elected to sit out the 2020 campaign. He is fully recovered from the surgery, but will elect not to play during the Coronavirus pandemic. "We will work with Michael to assure his development continues throughout 2020, and we look forward to welcoming him back into our clubhouse for the 2021 season," White Sox GM Rick Hahn said. Kopech will sit out 2020 season and focus on getting ready for the 2021 campaign.
Michael Kopech is still away from White Sox summer camp as of Wednesday.
Fantasy Impact
Manager Rick Renteria wouldn't give a timetable on when we could expect his arrival. The team has yet to give a reason for his absence other than calling it a personal matter. Opening Night for MLB is just 15 days away so Kopech is running out of time to get ready.
Michael Kopech has received permission to attend to a personal matter and has not yet reported to Chicago. Kopech is healthy, but does not have a timetable to return.
Fantasy Impact
Kopech was slated to have 'significant impact' this season, according to GM Rick Hahn. However, his excused absence puts that in jeopardy, at least in the early stages of the season. Look for the White Sox to handle Kopech with care in this shortened season, regardless of when he reports to camp.
White Sox GM Rick Hahn says Michael Kopech is someone "who can make a significant impact" over the course of 60 games.
Fantasy Impact
Kopech is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and is the type of player who can benefit from this truncated season. Hahn didn't go into roster specifics but it sounds as if the team is considering Kopech as a member of their pitching staff. It remains to be seen whether the youngster pitches in the rotation or out of the bullpen. Kopech made just one spring appearance before spring training was shut down but looked electric.
Michael Kopech looked phenomenal in his Cactus League debut on Tuesday, tossing a perfect inning that included one strikeout.
Fantasy Impact
This was Kopech's first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September of 2018. The 23-year-old hit 101 mph with his fastball in this one. He is a high-upside fantasy selection come draft day.
